PDGFR mediates lumbar spinal stenosis-induced neuropathic pain by regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling in activated macrophages.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is one of the most common spinal disorders in elderly people and is often accompanied by neuropathic pain. Although our previous studies have demonstrated that infiltrating macrophage contribute to chronic neuropathic pain in LSS rat model, the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage activation and infiltration have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the critical role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling pathway in neuropathic pain associated with macrophage infiltration and activation in LSS rats.

Assessing the impact of sodium intake on kidney function deterioration and proteinuria in the general population: A prospective cohort study.

Excessive sodium intake is recognized as a potential risk factor for various diseases, including kidney disease. However, limited research has been conducted on the relationship between sodium intake and kidney disease in the general population. This study aimed to explore the association between sodium intake and the risk of kidney disease, utilizing multivariable logistic regression and spline interpolation models.

Evaluation Strategies for Tissue-engineered Tracheas: From Characterization to Assessment.

The trachea plays a critical role in maintaining airway patency, ventilation, and mucociliary clearance, supported by its unique anatomical and structural features. Tracheal defects resulting from congenital anomalies, malignancies, trauma, or prolonged intubation present significant clinical challenges. Traditional reconstruction methods, such as end-to-end anastomosis and patch grafts, are often limited by technical feasibility and suboptimal outcomes.

Drainage-only strategy on weekend for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on the risk of procedure-related adverse events: a prospective observational study.

Background: The feasibility of performing complete endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis during weekends or holidays remains controversial due to concerns over increased risks of adverse events (AEs) in off-hour procedures.

Objectives: To evaluate whether weekend drainage-only ERCP affects the incidence of AEs compared to standard weekday ERCP, and to identify risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Design: Prospective observational study.

Artificial uterus with fluidics-driven system using material-switching digital light processing 3D bioprinting.

Despite various attempts to replicate complex organ structures using 3D bioprinting technologies, the fabrication of a tissue-engineered endometrium with integrated vasculature remains a significant challenge in the field. In this study, we developed three bioinks by combining glycidyl methacrylate-modified GelMA (GelMAGMA) hydrogel precursor with endometrial stem cells, stromal cells, and endothelial cells to create a vascularized endometrial construct. Utilizing a one-step material-switching DLP 3D bioprinter capable of multi-material printing, we successfully fabricated an engineered endometrial construct with a vascular channel extending through both the functional and basal layers.

The dimethyloxalylglycine-functionalized nanofibers for regeneration of infected developing dental roots.

regeneration in restorative dentistry targets the repair of tissues directly at the injury site by utilizing engineered biomaterials to guide endogenous cell activity. This approach aims to simplify treatment procedures and achieve more predictable outcomes, thus to supports the regeneration of damaged tissues and potentially restores tooth vitality, reducing the need for more invasive treatments. This study explores the potential of poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers (PCLF) functionalized with a hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) stabilizing small molecule dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) for regeneration in the context of dental root repair in developing immature teeth.

Impact of direct prehospital transport on mortality in patients with severe trauma based on the injury severity score: a nationwide observational study in the Republic of Korea.

Objectives: Severe trauma remains a leading cause of death in the Republic of Korea. In response, regional trauma centers were established in 2012. This study evaluated the impact of direct prehospital transport to trauma centers on in-hospital mortality among patients with severe trauma using the national trauma registry.

Enzymeless electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide using NiO octahedron decorated 3D graphene hydrogel.

Nowadays, electrochemical biosensors have gained extensive consensus to detect a wide variety of analytes such as hydrogen peroxide (HO), glucose, dopamine, uric acid, and so on. However, the detection of HO is more and more important because HO plays a vital role in our daily life. Hence, a new nonenzymatic HO biosensor was developed by decorating NiO octahedrons on the 3-dimensional graphene hydrogel (3DGH).

Sustainable synthesis of catechol compounds using tyrosinase in ethanol cosolvent system.

Ethanol is environmentally friendly, not hazardous, and can be produced from renewable sources. In this study, ethanol was applied as a cosolvent for the tyrosinase-catalyzed synthesis of catechol compounds from phenolic compounds, which are abundant in fruit pomace. To investigate the cosolvent function of ethanol on tyrosinase, six types of tyrosinase from Priestia megaterium and water-insoluble phenolic substrates (i.

Flow Reactor for Sustainable Electrosynthesis Fabricated via Cost-Effective Electroplating and Adhesive Bonding.

The use of precious metal electrodes, although capable of improving reaction efficiency, inevitably increases the fabrication cost of electrochemical flow reactors. Additionally, the commonly employed mechanical fastening method consistently poses a risk of leakage. Herein, a low-cost method for fabricating leak-proof electrochemical flow reactors that can withstand high internal pressures is reported using electroplating and chemical bonding methods.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Severe Asthma With Fungal Sensitization in Korea.

Purpose: Severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is associated with life-threatening exacerbation and severe airflow limitation. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of fungal sensitization in asthma and clinical characteristics of SAFS.

Methods: This study analyzed data from the Cohort for Reality and Evolution of Adult Asthma in Korea and the Korean Severe Asthma Registry cohorts.

Trends in Preventable Trauma Death Rates in Korea: A Follow-up Study of the Trauma System's Performance.

Background: The preventable trauma death rate (PTDR) is a key measure of trauma system performance. This study, the fourth follow-up since the implementation of trauma centers in South Korea, aimed to evaluate trends in PTDR and assess the mid-term performance of the trauma system. The study utilized consistent methods with previous analyses to ensure comparability and continuity.

On-treatment blood pressure and dose-dependent effects of ARNI in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Insights from a multicenter registry.

Background: Achieving target doses of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is often challenging due to concerns related to hypotension. This study evaluated dose-dependent effects of ARNI considering on-treatment blood pressure (BP).

Methods: From a multicenter HF registry, 1,097 HFrEF patients receiving ARNI for ≥6 months were stratified into low-dose (<100 mg/day, n = 249) and intermediate-to-high-dose (≥100 mg/day, n = 848) groups.

Research to Address the Limitations of Electrospun Coated Stents: Double-Sided Coating of Stents and Enhancement of Membrane Properties.

Electrospinning is a technology for producing a variety of functional polymer membranes, offering easy incorporation of particles and customizable membrane shapes. Therefore, it is actively studied across diverse fields, from cosmetics to advanced industries such as semiconductors and aerospace. In particular, it is attracting attention for application in the medical field, and research is being conducted for application in various implant fields such as artificial eardrums and artificial blood vessels in the field of tissue regeneration.

Imatinib prevents blood-spinal cord barrier disruption by inhibiting PDGFR-mediated JMJD3 expression and activation after spinal cord injury.

Background: After a spinal cord injury (SCI), disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) leads to secondary injuries, including inflammatory responses and apoptotic cell death, ultimately causing permanent neurological deficits. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been reported to enhance BSCB integrity and improve functional recovery after SCI. However, the mechanism by which imatinib regulates BSCB integrity remains unclear.

Durable, Breathable, and Flexible Sensor Based on Vapor-Phase Polymerized PANI-Coated PUC-CoNi-LDH@PANI Composite for Continuous Sweat Glucose Monitoring.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes, associated with complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure, has necessitated the development of diverse, customized wearable sensors, particularly for the elderly. In this study, a fully integrated flexible sensor based on a PUC-CoNi-LDH@PANI nanocomposite is fabricated. This involves the direct growth of CoNi-double layer hydroxide (CoNi-LDH) through a facile template-free solvothermal treatment, followed by the vapor phase polymerization (VPP) of π-conjugated polyaniline (PANI) on a flexible electrospun polyurethane/chitosan (PUC) mat.

Carbene formation as a mechanism for efficient intracellular uptake of cationic antimicrobial carbon acid polymers.

Cationic polymers have emerged as promising next-generation antimicrobial agents, albeit with inherent limitations such as low potency and limited biocompatibility. Classical cationic polymers kill bacteria via physical membrane disruption. We propose a non-classical mechanism of crossing the bacterial plasma membrane barrier, a step required for subsequent inhibition of intracellular targets, by cationic polymers which are carbon acids.

Microvasculature recovery in lamina cribrosa and peripapillary sclera after glaucoma surgery and its impact on visual field progression.

This study investigates vessel density (VD) changes in the lamina cribrosa (LC) and peripapillary sclera (PPS) after glaucoma surgery and their association with visual field (VF) progression. Primary open-angle glaucoma patients undergoing surgery for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital were included.

Kinematics Estimation Using a Skin-Adhesive Strain Patch for Shoulder Rehabilitation: A Preliminary Study.

Shoulder kinematics has been required to be estimated using compact sensors to provide visual feedback on joint movements for patients undergoing home rehabilitation due to musculoskeletal diseases, such as stroke. Multiple strain patches have been used for shoulder kinematics estimation, either embedded in tight shirts or attached directly to the skin. However, it is desirable to eliminate the tight shirt while minimizing the number of strain patches for convenient use in home rehabilitation.

Optimization of multifunctional NaYbF:Er upconversion nanoparticle-based dual drug delivery system for enhanced chemo-photodynamic therapy in prostate cancer.

Upconversion efficiency in heterostructure hosts is critical for multicolor emission in biomedical applications, where cellular uptake is dependent on particle size. In chemo-photodynamic therapy (chemo-PDT), reducing cellular glutathione (GSH) levels through reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generation, combined with reactive oxygen species (ROS), offers a dual strategy to halt cancer cell proliferation. Herein, We optimized NaYbF:Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with size control (final nanocapsule size: 60.

Development and Validation of a Korean Trauma and Injury Severity Score (K-TRISS) Model for Predicting Trauma Outcomes.

Background: Since the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) was first developed in 1987, it has been widely used to predict trauma outcomes. However, numerous attempts have been made to adjust coefficients or develop new prediction models, as TRISS may not align with the local conditions. This study aimed to develop a Korean-TRISS (K-TRISS) model suitable for the Korean population.

Effect of a Training Program for Nonanesthesiologists on Out-of-Operating Room Endotracheal Intubation.

Outside of the operating room airway management (OOORAM) poses unique challenges and is associated with increased complications when compared with routine operative airway management. Approaches to airway management between healthcare systems is variable in terms of operator training and expertise and may be associated with adverse patient outcomes. In response to this, the Veterans Health Administration created a mandatory standardized OOORAM training program in 2013.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Qigong Training for Self-Healing in patients with Hwabyung and depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hwabyung is a Korean culture-bound syndrome characterized by anger-related physical and psychological symptoms. Depressive disorder is a common mental disorder that occurs worldwide and is highly comorbid with Hwabyung. In traditional East Asian medicine, both Hwabyung and depression are associated with an imbalance in vital energy termed qi.

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty improves aseptic survivorship compared to conventional total knee arthroplasty: A minimum 15-year follow-up.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes, as well as implant survivorship, between robotic-assisted and conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a posterior cruciate-retaining prosthesis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKA and 147 patients who underwent conventional TKA for knee osteoarthritis between March 2005 and December 2008, with a minimum follow-up of 15 years. Radiographic assessments included the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, coronal and sagittal alignment of the femoral and tibial components, and alignment outliers, based on full-length standing and lateral radiographs.

Association of Striatal Dopaminergic Depletion and Cerebral Perfusion With Cognition in Brain-First and Body-First Parkinson's Disease.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether the patterns of striatal subregional dopamine loss and cerebral perfusion alterations differed between the 2 types of Parkinson's disease (PD) (ie, brain-first and body-first PD) and had an impact on cognitive prognosis in PD.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the data of newly diagnosed patients with PD who underwent dual-phase dopamine transporter (DAT) scans in tertiary medical centers. We classified the patients into 2 groups based on the rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) screening questionnaire: PD with RBD (body-first PD) and PD without RBD (brain-first PD) groups.